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Survey indicates wolf range, population similar to 2004 |
Minnesota’s gray wolf population has changed little in the past 10 years, according to a recent survey by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The preliminary estimate for the 2008 wolf populations is 2,922 animals, compared with the 1998 estimate of 2,450 and the 2004 estimate of 3,020. The overall range of wolves in Minnesota has not changed since 1998, encompassing approximately 34,100 square miles of northern Minnesota.
 According to Dr. John Erb, DNR wolf research biologist, “the recent survey indicates wolves currently occupy about 81 percent of this overall area, similar to results from the past two surveys (77 percent and 84 percent). Considering the estimated margin of error from each survey, the population estimates from the past three surveys are statistically similar,” Erb said. “The lack of notable change in wolf numbers is not surprising given that northern deer populations have remained relatively stable since 1998, and most forested portions of northern Minnesota are already occupied by wolves.”
According to the study, the average mid-winter pack size was 4.9 wolves. Late winter generally represents the low point in the annual cycle, with pack size increasing again in early summer following pup production. The study estimated that radio-marked wolf packs were occupying territories that averaged 40 square-miles in size, similar to results from the 2003-2004 survey.
In March 2007, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed the gray wolf from the endangered species list in the western Great Lakes region, including Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. Wisconsin has about 550 wolves. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula also has 510 wolves.
Since the wolf was removed from the endangered species list, DNR has been managing gray wolves in accordance with state laws and a wolf management plan completed in 2001, said Dan Stark, DNR wolf management specialist.
“This survey presents more evidence that the gray wolf continues to be recovered in Minnesota, and that Minnesota’s state wolf management program is effectively protecting wolves,” Stark said.
The survey, completed last winter, used methods identical to the 1997-1998 and 2003-2004 surveys. A variety of sources were used in estimating the wolf population, including field observations, habitat models, and data based on current radio telemetry studies. Previous surveys were completed at 10-year intervals starting in 1978. Under state management, future wolf population surveys are being conducted at five-year intervals.
The complete 2008 wolf survey report will be available online at www.mndnr.gov by mid August.
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